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Maple Leafs' Hopes for a John Tavares 'Bargain' Deal Get Fresh Update

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jun 15, 2025 7:26 AM ET

John Tavares and the Toronto Maple Leafs are still working toward a contract extension that allows the veteran forward to remain home.

Hopes for the former Leafs captain giving the franchise a steep hometown discount, however, appear to be unrealistic according to the latest reports.

The veteran center just completed a productive season, his seventh in Toronto, scoring 74 points in 75 regular-season games, and remains unsigned and set to hit unrestricted free agency on July 1.

Although Tavares is already 34 years old and expected to shift into more of a third-line center role, his production improved from two years ago, and he's projected to land a contract of three years at $7.9 million per season.

Is this an off season like no other? Why are there so few selling teams? Let me explain. Plus the latest on on a number of fronts as the summer market heats up. My latest Rumblings for ⁦@TheAthletic⁩ ⤵️ https://t.co/PPiTUG6Mjf
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 11, 2025

While both sides have repeatedly expressed interest in a reunion, The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun reported on Thursday that Toronto will likely need to pay up to make that happen.

"The Leafs and John Tavares’ camp continue to talk and touched base again this week," LeBrun wrote. "There remains mutual interest in getting something done, but finding that sweet spot on a fair deal isn’t quite there yet.

"The idea that Tavares might sign for a bargain $5 million AAV seems like a stretch to me. It’s going to have to be above that to get it done given the year he just had, although term is part of the equation as well."

Speaking at the end-of-season media availability, Tavares acknowledged that he hopes to stay put in Toronto.

"I’m very optimistic that it can work out where I’m back," Tavares said after the season. "It’s an unbelievable place to play. An incredible fan base that loves its team and so badly wants to see you win."

The Leafs enter the offseason with $25.7 million of cap space , although Toronto will most probably re-sign one of Mitch Marner and Tavares, as well as restricted free agent Matthew Knies.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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